Infographic: Is your meeting truly necessary?

There are few things worse in the workplace than perfunctory, unproductive
meetings that gobble up precious time.

Most of us have been subjected to PowerPoint Hell or forced into lengthy
“brainstorms” or “team-building activities” that prompt urgent
consideration of crashing through the nearest window. Beyond their sheer
monotony, unproductive meetings are
costly and take a toll on morale and engagement.

Fundera has published an infographic that might make you think twice about that regular “team check-in.” The
graphic offers crucial questions to consider before scheduling a meeting,
such as:

Are you looking to collaborate?

Would this meeting be directly related to each attendee’s job?

Do you have a company update to share?

Can it be summarized in an email?

Do you have a clear agenda?

Do you have new, important information about a project?

Are you just feeling lonely?

Meeting conveners should be aware that attendees are probably
distracted—and possibly asleep. The infographic states that 91 percent of
meeting attendees admitted to daydreaming during gatherings, 73 percent “do
other work,” and 39 percent said they often use the occasion to catch some
Z’s.

If you absolutely must hold a meeting, the graphic recommends:

Set a timer.

Write an agenda (and follow it).

Keep the guest list short.

Don’t take it personally. It’s not you—it’s your utterly useless meeting
that could have easily been conducted via email or chat. Before scheduling
your next roll call, take a few moments to read the infographic below. Your
team will thank you.